Method and system for the open-loop and/or closed-loop control of a heating of a cast or rolled metal product

ABSTRACT

A method for open-loop and/or closed-loop control of a heating of a cast or rolled metal product, includes the steps of determining the total enthalpy of the metal product from a sum of the free molar enthalpies (Gibbs energy) of all phases and/or phase fractions currently present in the metal product; determining a temperature distribution within the metal product by means of a dynamic temperature calculation model using the total enthalpy determined; and open-loop and/or closed-loop controlling of the heating of the metal product as a function of at least one output variable of the temperature calculation model.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/774,629, filed May 9, 2018, which is a National Stage application ofInternational application PCT/EP2016/076660, filed Nov. 4, 2016 andclaiming priority of German applications DE 102015223767.2, filed Nov.30, 2015 and DE 102016200077.2, filed Jan. 7, 2016, all of theabove-mentioned applications are incorporated herein by referencethereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a method for the open-loop and/or closed-loopcontrol of a heating of a cast or rolled metal product.

The invention further relates to a system for heating a cast or rolledmetal product, comprising at least one furnace or at least one heaterinto which the metal product can be inserted for heating, and at leastone open-loop and/or closed-loop control device for open-loop and/orclosed-loop control of the heating.

A casting method for producing a cast metal product is known from DE 102011 082 158 A1. Here, the temperature distribution prevailing in theinterior of the material product is calculated by means of a temperaturecalculation model based on dynamic closed-loop temperature control(dynamic solidification control). In a calculation step, the totalenthalpy of the system formed by the metal product is determined and isprocessed as an input variable in the temperature calculation model. Oneor more output variable(s) of the temperature calculation model is/areused in the closed-loop or open-loop control of the casting process. Thetotal enthalpy is calculated from the sum of the free molar enthalpies(Gibbs energy) of all phases and/or phase fractions currently present inthe metal product.

It is also known that a cast metal product, such as a slab or a metalbillet is heated after casting to prepare the temperature of the metalproduct for a subsequent treatment, for example a bending orstraightening process, and/or to influence the microstructures of themetal product, for example to dissolve precipitates within the metalproduct. The metal product is typically heated using a furnace, whichthe cast metal products pass through as part of a continuous castingprocess, particularly in so-called CSP (compact strip production)plants.

When a metal product is heated, it should be ensured that thetemperatures in the metal product are not too low to ensure dissolutionof specific precipitates. In addition, if an optimum furnace inlettemperature is not reached within the metal product, any microstructuretransformations that may be desired cannot be performed at the desiredquality, or increased energy must be provided to heat the metal productin the furnace. In addition, it should also be ensured when heating ametal product that the temperatures in the metal product are not toohigh, which would be accompanied by a high degree of dissolution ofprecipitates within the metal product, resulting in considerable graingrowth. Knowing the temperature distribution within a cast metal productis therefore of fundamental importance for operating a furnace.

Pyrometers can be used, for example, to detect the surface temperatureof a cast metal product. The temperatures in the interior of the metalproduct can in principle not be measured using a pyrometer, such that atemperature distribution within the metal product depending on processconditions can only be determined using a temperature calculation model.

The temperature distribution within the metal product is determinedbased on Fourier's heat equation

$\begin{matrix}{{{{pc}_{p}\frac{\partial T}{\partial t}} - {\frac{\partial}{\partial_{s}}\left( {\lambda\frac{\partial T}{\partial_{s}}} \right)}} = Q} & (1)\end{matrix}$

wherein ρ is the density, c_(p) the specific heat capacity at constantpressure, T the calculated absolute temperature in Kelvin, t the time, sthe position coordinate, λ the coefficient of heat conductivity, and Qthe energy liberated from the system formed by the metal product duringa phase conversion. In the temperature calculation model, the energyliberated during the phase conversion is determined using the equation

$\begin{matrix}{Q = {{pL}\frac{\partial f_{s}}{\partial t}}} & (2)\end{matrix}$

wherein Q is the energy liberated during the phase conversion, ρ is thedensity, L latent melt heat, t the time, and f_(s) the system's degreeof phase conversion. The total enthalpy H is derived from thecalculation of the specific heat capacity according to the equation

$\begin{matrix}{H = {\int{c_{p}{\partial T}}}} & (3)\end{matrix}$

Particularly important required input variables of the heat equation areheat conductivity, density, and total enthalpy, since these variableshave a major influence on the temperature result. Heat conductivity orthe coefficient of heat conductivity and density are functions of thetemperature, the chemical composition of the metal product and therespective phase fraction and can be precisely determined by experiment.But the total enthalpy cannot be measured and can only be inaccuratelydescribed using approximation equations for specific chemicalcompositions of the metal product, particularly iron alloys or steelalloys. Consequently, the subsequent numerical solution of the heatequation will lead to inaccurate temperature results. In addition, newmeasurements of heat conductivity and density must be newly performedfor the respective material if chemical compositions change. Another wayof determining heat conductivity and density is the determination ofregression equations which describe the respective material. Since thevalues for heat conductivity and density change dramatically at phaseboundaries, all regression equations without knowing the phaseboundaries will yield inaccurate values.

For example, Schwerdtfeger, editor of “Metallurgie des Stranggiessens”[Metallurgy of Continuous Casting], Verlag Stahleisen mbH, 1992,presents in his book empirical regression equations for the enthalpy ofunalloyed carbon steels, which can be used within specific narrowanalytical limits with workable accuracy. But these regression equationsare approximation equations and have no physical basis. In “Diewichtigsten physikalischen Eigenschaften von 52 Eisenwerkstoffen” [TheMost Important Physical Properties of 52 Ferrous Materials], VerlagStahleisen Dusseldorf, 1973, Richter provides an exact thermodynamicrelationship for the enthalpy in each phase for pure iron. But pure ironhas no technological significance. There is no exact thermodynamicinformation for the total enthalpy of a system for steel materials.

Consequently, the numerical solution of Fourier's heat equation willyield inaccurate results. The disadvantage of prior art is that theysolve Fourier's heat equation using numerical methods, which provide atemperature result, that is, a temperature distribution within the metalproduct depending on the quality of the input data, such that the resultobtained leads to deviations between the calculated temperaturedistribution or temperature and the respective actually prevailingtemperature distribution within the metal product, optionally documentedby measurements, if the enthalpy input data is faulty or inaccurate.

It is a problem of the invention to optimize the heating of a cast orrolled metal product with respect to product quality and energyconsumption.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This problem is solved by the independent claims. Advantageousembodiments are particularly described in the dependent claims, whichalone or jointly in various combinations may represent an aspect of theinvention.

A method and system for the open-loop and/or closed-loop control of aheating of a cast or rolled metal product comprises the steps of:

-   Determining the total enthalpy of the metal product from a sum of    the free molar enthalpies (Gibbs energy) of all phases and/or phase    fractions currently present in the metal product;-   Determining a temperature distribution within the metal product by    means of a dynamic temperature calculation model using the total    enthalpy determined; and-   Open-loop and/or closed-loop controlling of the heating of the metal    product as a function of at least one output variable of the    temperature calculation model.

According to the invention, open-loop and/or closed-loop control of theheating of a cast or rolled metal product considers the temperaturedistribution within the metal product, which can be determined highlyaccurately from the total enthalpy of the metal product or the systemformed thereof. This improves temperature prediction and control andallows a more accurate specification of the output temperature from afurnace or a heater, which is accompanied by energy saving and improvedadjustment of the temperature needed for dissolving precipitates.

The total enthalpy of the metal product or the system formed thereof canbe determined by means of the temperature calculation model and Gibbsenergy at constant pressure according to the equation

$\begin{matrix}{H = {G - {T\left( \frac{\partial G}{\partial T} \right)}_{p}}} & (4)\end{matrix}$

wherein H is the molar enthalpy of the system, G is the Gibbs energy ofthe system, T is the absolute temperature in Kelvin, and ρ is thepressure of the system. Gibbs energy of the system for a mixture ofphases can be determined via the Gibbs energy values of the phases orpure phases and their phase fractions. The following applies to steel,for example:

$\begin{matrix}{G = {{f^{1}G^{1}} + {f^{y}G^{y}} + {f^{pa}G^{pa}} + {f^{ea}G^{ea}} + {f^{ec}G^{ec}}}} & (5)\end{matrix}$

wherein G is the Gibbs energy of the metal product or system, f^(ϕ) isthe Gibbs energy fraction, also called the phase fraction, of the phaseϕ at the system, and G^(ϕ) is the Gibbs energy of the phase ϕ. The Gibbsenergy for the austenite, ferrite, and liquid phases can be determinedfrom the equation

$\begin{matrix}{G^{\Phi} = {{\sum_{i = 1}^{n}{x_{i}^{\Phi}G_{i}^{\Phi}}} + {RT{\sum_{i = 1}^{n}{x_{i}\ln x_{i}}}} + {{}_{}^{}{}_{}^{}} + {{}_{}^{}{}_{}^{}}}} & (6)\end{matrix}$

wherein G^(ϕ) is the Gibbs energy of a respective phase Φ, x_(i) ^(Φ) isthe mole fraction of the i-th component of the respective phase Φ, G_(i)^(Φ) is the Gibbs energy of the respective i-th component of therespective phase Φ, R is the universal gas constant, T the absolutetemperature in Kelvin, ^(E)G^(Φ) the Gibbs energy for a non-idealmixture, and ^(magn)G^(Φ) the magnetic energy of the system. The Gibbsenergy for a non-ideal mixture can be determined using the equation

$\begin{matrix}{{{}_{}^{}{}_{}^{}} = {{\sum{x_{i}x_{j}^{a}{L_{i,j}^{\Phi}\left( {x_{i} - x_{j}} \right)}^{a}}} + {\sum{x_{i}x_{j}x_{k}L_{i,j,k}^{\Phi}}}}} & (7)\end{matrix}$

wherein ^(E)G^(Φ) is the Gibbs energy for a non-ideal mixture, x_(i) isthe mole fraction of the i-th component, x_(j) the mole fraction of thej-th component, x_(k) the mole fraction of the k-th component, a is acorrection term, ^(a)L_(i,j) ^(Φ) are interaction parameters ofdifferent order, and ^(a)L_(i,j,k) ^(Φ) and ^(a)L_(i,j) ^(Φ) interactionparameters of different order of the overall system. The proportion ofmagnetic energy can be determined using the equation

$\begin{matrix}{{{}_{}^{}{}_{}^{}} = {{RT}{\ln\left( {1 + \beta} \right)}{f(\tau)}}} & (8)\end{matrix}$

wherein ^(magn)G^(Φ) is the magnetic energy of the system, R theuniversal gas constant, T the absolute temperature in Kelvin, β themagnetic moment, and f(T) the fraction of the overall system as afunction of the normalized Curie temperature of the overall system. Inthe above equation (5) for the Gibbs energy of a mixture of phases, theindividual terms correspond to the single element energy, a contributionto an ideal mixture, and a contribution to a non-ideal mixture and themagnetic energy of the system. If the Gibbs energy of the system isknown, it can be used to derive the molar specific heat capacity usingthe equation

$\begin{matrix}{c_{p} = {- {T\left( \frac{\partial^{2}G}{\partial T^{2}} \right)}_{p}}} & (9)\end{matrix}$

wherein c is the molar specific heat capacity of the system, T theabsolute temperature in Kelvin, and G the Gibbs energy of the system.The parameters of the terms of the above equations (6)-(8) ate listed ina Thermocalc and MatCalc database and can be used to determine the Gibbsenergy values of a steel composition. The total enthalpy of the steelcomposition can be derived using a mathematical derivative.

The metal product is preferably manufactured by casting a steel or ironalloy. The metal product may be configured as a slab or billet

The metal product may be heated, for example, in the form of preheatingor intermediate heating, particularly reheating.

According to an advantageous embodiment, a density is determined foreach phase and phase boundaries between the phases are determined,wherein a density distribution of the metal product is determined basedon the densities of the determined phases and the determined phaseboundaries. The phase boundaries can be determined using the Gibbsenergy values. The density distribution of the metal product can bedetermined using the phase boundaries as a function of temperature andthe phase fractions. Exact knowledge of the density distribution of themetal product makes it possible to determine the temperaturedistribution of the metal product more accurately.

According to another advantageous embodiment, a heat conductivity isdetermined for each phase and phase boundaries between the phases aredetermined, wherein a heat conductivity curve of the metal product isdetermined based on the determined heat conductivities of the phases andthe determined phase boundaries. The phase boundaries can be determinedusing the Gibbs energy values. The heat conductivity curve of the metalproduct can be determined using the phase boundaries as a function oftemperature and the phase fractions. Exact knowledge of the heatconductivity curve of the metal product makes it possible to determinethe temperature distribution of the metal product more accurately. Inaddition to the specific heat capacity c₉₂, which can be calculated fromthe enthalpy and thus from the phase fractions, thetemperature-dependent density ρ and the temperature-dependent heatconductivity λ are included in Fourier's heat equation (1). Knowing theheat conductivity is extremely important when heating the metal product,since the temperature of the metal product can only be measured on thesurface. But to be able to dissolve all precipitates, such as carbonnitrides, the local temperature of the metal product must be above thelimit over the entire cross section, particularly in a colder “coldspot” region, of the metal product. But the inner local temperatures ofthe metal product cannot be measured, they can only be calculated.Knowing the temperature-dependent heat conductivity as exactly aspossible is a prerequisite for this. The heat conductivity λ can bedetermined experimentally. Regression equations for determining heatconductivity in a pure phase, that is, λ₆₅ and λ_(α), can be used here.The transition temperatures and from there the heat conductivity curvecan be determined from the determined phase boundaries: T≤T_(γα) forλ=λ_(γ), T<T_(ce) for λ=λ_(α) and T_(ce)<T<T_(γα) for λ=λ_(γ)P_(α) withthe calculated phase fractions P_(γ) and Pα.

In another advantageous embodiment, transition temperatures at which atransition from one phase into another is initiated are determined basedon the phase boundaries. Particularly, transition temperatures aredetermined from the minimum of the Gibbs energy values. In nature, it ispreferred to assume the phase in which the energy is minimal (“principleof minimum energy”). In this way, the phase with the lowest Gibbs energycan be determined from the energy values of the pure phases. Inaddition, two-phase regions can be determined by forming tangents. Thisis outlined in FIGS. 2 and 4 .

According to another advantageous embodiment, a length in time of theheating is determined based on a predetermined target temperaturedistribution within the metal product, a chemical composition of themetal product, and at least one property of a furnace or heater used forheating. A surface temperature of the metal product can be measuredbefore and/or after heating. The chemical composition of the metalproduct can originate from a previous chemical analysis of the metalproduct or from a material tracking system. The target temperaturedistribution can be determined and predefined by the temperaturecalculation model. This means that the so-called heating-up time neededfor reaching a minimum temperature limit and a sufficiently balancedtemperature profile of the metal product can be determined exactly. Inaddition, an annealing time can be determined, which is required todissolve precipitates as desired. Thus the length in time of the heatingneeded until the metal product has reached a predetermined targettemperature or the desired dissolution of precipitates is completed canbe determined from the determined temperature distribution of the metalproduct and the predetermined furnace temperature or heatingtemperature.

According to another advantageous embodiment, a target temperaturerequired for heating which is applied to the metal product is determinedbased on a predetermined target temperature distribution of the metalproduct, a surface temperature of the metal product, a chemicalcomposition of the metal product, at least one property of a furnace orheater used for heating, and a predetermined conveying speed of themetal product on the one hand or a predetermined waiting time of themetal product on the other hand. The exact calculation of thetemperature to which the product is heated allows energy savingscompared to conventional heating processes in which furnace or heatertemperatures can be used that are too high because the determination ofthe temperature distribution was less exact. A more exact open-loopand/or closed-loop temperature control, on the other hand, can ensurethat the application of heat to the metal product is sufficient toachieve a desired dissolution of precipitates

A system according to the invention for heating a cast or rolled metalproduct includes at least one furnace or at least one heater into whichthe metal product can be inserted, and at least one open-loop and/orclosed-loop control device for open-loop and/or closed-loop control ofthe heating process, wherein said open-loop and/or closed-loop controldevice is configured for performing the method according to one of theabove embodiments or any combination thereof.

The advantages mentioned above with respect to the method areaccordingly associated with the system. The furnace can for example be afurnace, particularly a tunnel furnace, of a CSP plant, a continuouscasting plant, a hot strip mill, a heavy plate mill, a round rollingmill, a profile rolling mill, or a strip rolling mill. The furnace orheater can be arranged at any point of a production process wherematerials are to be heated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be explained using examples with reference to theenclosed figures below, wherein the features explained below canrepresent an aspect of the invention either alone or jointly in variouscombinations with one another. Wherein:

FIG. 1 : shows a representation of Gibbs energy for pure iron;

FIG. 2 : shows a (construed) phase diagram with Gibbs energy values;

FIG. 3 : shows a total enthalpy curve according to Gibbs for alow-carbon (LC) steel;

FIG. 4 : shows a curve of the phase fractions according to Gibbs for alow-carbon (LC) steel;

FIG. 5 : shows a density curve for a low-carbon (LC) steel with thecalculated phase fractions;

FIG. 6 : shows a heat conductivity curve for a low-carbon (LC) steelwith the calculated phase fractions;

FIG. 7 : shows a curve of the phase fractions according to Gibbs for ahigh-alloy steel (austenitic stainless steel);

FIG. 8 : shows a density curve for a high-alloy steel (austeniticstainless steel);

FIG. 9 : shows a heat conductivity curve for a high-alloy steel(austenitic stainless steel);

FIG. 10 : shows a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a systemaccording to the invention;

FIG. 11 : shows a schematic view of an application example of theinvention;

FIG. 12 : shows a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a systemaccording to the invention; and

FIG. 13 : shows a temperature curve of a metal product in a furnace.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a representation of Gibbs energy for pure iron. It isapparent that the ferrite, austenite, and liquid phases each assume aminimum at which these phases are stable for a specific characteristictemperature range.

FIG. 2 shows the phase boundaries of a Fe—C alloy of 0.02% Si, 0.310%Mn, 0.018% P, 0.007% S, 0.02% Cr, 0.02% Ni, 0.027% Al and a variable Ccontent. Formulation of the Gibbs energy allows the construction of sucha phase diagram with any desired chemical composition and to representthe stable phase fractions.

FIG. 3 shows a total enthalpy curve according to Gibbs for a low-carbon(LC) steel as a function of temperature. The solidus and liquidustemperatures are also shown in the figure.

FIG. 4 shows a curve of the phase fractions according to Gibbs for alow-carbon (LC) steel as a function of temperature. The ranges of themelt, of the delta, gamma, alpha, and cementite phases are identifiablein FIG. 4 .

FIG. 5 shows a density curve for a low-carbon (LC) steel with thecalculated phase fractions as a function of temperature and thecalculated phase boundaries. The density of each phase is determined viaseparate regression equations. The phase boundaries are needed fordetermining the overall density curve.

FIG. 6 shows a heat conductivity curve for a low-carbon (LC) steel withthe calculated phase fractions. Like for calculating the density, thecoefficient of heat conductivity is calculated from regression equationsfor each phase here. The phase fractions are needed once again todetermine the overall curve of heat conductivity.

FIG. 7 shows a curve of the phase fractions according to Gibbs for ahigh-alloy steel (austenitic stainless steel) containing about 12%chromium and about 12% nickel. The austenitic steel no longertransitions from gamma to alpha.

FIG. 8 shows a density curve for a high-alloy steel (austeniticstainless steel). The density drop during the phase transition fromgamma to alpha (otherwise at about 800° C.) is eliminated.

FIG. 9 shows a heat conductivity curve for a high-alloy steel(austenitic stainless steel). Since the alpha phase does not occur, thecoefficient of heat conductivity drops to about 14 W/(mK) at 25° C.

FIG. 10 shows a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a system 1according to the invention for heating a cast or rolled metal productnot shown here. The system 1 includes a furnace 2 into which the metalproduct can be inserted for heating. Furthermore, the system 1 includesan open-loop and/or closed-loop control device 3 for open-loop and/orclosed-loop controlling of the heating process.

The open-loop and/or closed-loop control device 3 is configured forperforming a method for open-loop and/or closed-loop controlling of aheating of a cast or rolled metal product, comprising the steps of:

-   Determining the total enthalpy of the metal product from a sum of    the free molar enthalpies (Gibbs energy) of all phases and/or phase    fractions currently present in the metal product;-   Determining a temperature distribution within the metal product by    means of a dynamic temperature calculation model using the total    enthalpy determined; and-   Open-loop and/or closed-loop controlling of the heating of the metal    product as a function of at least one output variable of the    temperature calculation model.

Furthermore, the open-loop and/or closed-loop control device 3 may beconfigured for determining a density, phase boundaries between thephases, and a density distribution of the metal product based on thedetermined phase densities and the determined phase boundaries.Furthermore, the open-loop and/or closed-loop control device 3 may beconfigured for determining a heat conductivity, phase boundaries betweenthe phases, and a heat conductivity curve of the metal product based onthe determined thermal conductivities of the phases and the determinedphase boundaries. The open-loop and/or closed-loop control device 3 canalso be configured for determining transition temperatures at which atransition from one phase into another is initiated, based on the phaseboundaries.

The open-loop and/or closed-loop control device 3 can also be configuredfor determining a length in time of the heating based on a predeterminedtarget temperature distribution within the metal product, a chemicalcomposition of the metal product, and at least one property of a furnace2 used for heating. The open-loop and/or closed-loop control device 3can also be configured for determining a target temperature required forheating which is applied to the metal product based on a predeterminedtarget temperature distribution of the metal product, a surfacetemperature of the metal product, a chemical composition of the metalproduct, at least one property of a furnace 2 used for heating, and apredetermined conveying speed of the metal product on the one hand or apredetermined waiting time of the metal product on the other hand.

The open-loop and/or closed-loop control device 3 can also be configuredfor determining whether the local temperatures of the metal product aregreater than an discharge temperature at all calculation positions. Ifthis is true, the metal product can be discharged from the furnace 2. Ifthis is not true, however, the metal product must remain in the furnace2 for further temperature equilibration until it is established usingthe temperature calculation model that the local temperatures of themetal product are greater than a discharge temperature at allcalculation positions.

FIG. 11 shows a schematic view of an application example of theinvention. It depicts an CSP plant 4, which comprises a casting plant 5,a tunnel furnace 2, a hot rolling mill 6, and a coiling device 7. Thetunnel furnace 2 is part of a system 1 according to the invention, asdescribed with reference to FIG. 10 .

FIG. 12 shows a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a system 1according to the invention. The system 1 can in principle be designed asshown in FIG. 10 , which is why we make reference to the abovedescription of FIG. 10 to avoid repetition. The furnace 2 is designed asa tunnel furnace. The open-loop and/or closed-loop control device 3contains a furnace model with an integrated temperature calculationmodel. The open-loop and/or closed-loop control device 3 is fed data onthe instantaneous and maximum burner power of the furnace 2 according tothe arrow 8. According to the arrow 9, the open-loop and/or closed-loopcontrol device 3 is fed temperatures at each burner position stemmingfrom the caster model and from measured values. According to the arrow10, the open-loop and/or closed-loop control device 3 is fed analyticaldata from material tracking regarding the chemical composition of themetal product. According to the arrow 11, the open-loop and/orclosed-loop control device 3 is fed discharge temperatures and annealingtimes from a material calculation and/or from empirical values.According to the arrow 12, the open-loop and/or closed-loop controldevice 3 is fed calculated burner power values for each furnace chamberof the furnace 2 required to achieve an optimum annealing temperatureand an optimum annealing time or corresponding data.

FIG. 13 shows a temperature curve of a metal product in a furnace. Onthe one hand, it shows the target temperature 13 for each of the threechambers of the furnace. In addition, the temperature curve 14determined for the heating according to the method of the invention isrepresented. Furthermore, a conventionally calculated, incorrecttemperature curve 15 is shown where the calculated temperature is toohigh, which is accompanied by an unnecessary loss of energy.Furthermore, a conventionally calculated, incorrect temperature curve 16is shown where the calculated temperature is too low, and as a result,precipitates are not dissolved as desired.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for open-loop and/or closed-loopcontrol of a heating of a cast or rolled metal product, comprising thesteps of: inserting the metal product into a furnace or heater andheating the metal product in the furnace or heater in a heating process;with an open loop and/or closed loop control device operativelyconnected with the furnace or heater and adapted for open-loop and/orclosed-loop control of the heating process, performing the followingsteps determining a total enthalpy of the metal product from a sum ofthe free molar enthalpies (Gibbs energy) of all phases and/or phasefractions currently present in the metal product; determining atemperature distribution within the metal product by means of a dynamictemperature calculation model using the total enthalpy determined; andopen-loop and/or closed-loop controlling of the heating of the metalproduct as a function of at least one output variable of the temperaturecalculation model.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein a density isdetermined for each phase and phase boundaries between the phases aredetermined, wherein a density distribution of the metal product isdetermined based on the densities of the determined phases and thedetermined phase boundaries.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein a heatconductivity is determined for each phase and phase boundaries betweenthe phases are determined, wherein a heat conductivity curve of themetal product is determined based on the determined heat conductivitiesof the phases and the determined phase boundaries.
 4. The method ofclaim 2, wherein transition temperatures at which a transition from onephase into another is initiated are determined based on the phaseboundaries.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein a length in time of theheating is determined based on a predetermined target temperaturedistribution within the metal product, a chemical composition of themetal product, and at least one property of a furnace or heater used forheating.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein a target temperature requiredfor heating which is applied to the metal product is determined based ona predetermined target temperature distribution of the metal product, asurface temperature of the metal product, a chemical composition of themetal product, at least one property of a furnace or heater used forheating, and a predetermined conveying speed of the metal product on theone hand or a predetermined waiting time of the metal product on theother hand.